Since starting my blog in December 2013, I have received many messages and emails asking if I do group trips. I’ve always responded with “not at this time” and thought that it would be a good idea one day. I’ve been thinking it over for about a year now, wondering what would be a good destination for my first group tour. I want it to be somewhere faraway with a great tour company that specializes in accessibility. As I have been trying to plan something, it’s proven more difficult than I imagined.
However, about a month ago I received an email from Erik at Morocco Accessible Travel Consultants. He said that his company was interested in working with me. After browsing their website and looking over itineraries, I inquired about doing a group tour. Erik was immediately interested and we’ve spent the past few weeks planning everything to bring you an epic tour! With that, I’m thrilled to announce that the first ever Curb Free group trip will be to…
MOROCCO IN APRIL 2018!!
I know that’s a long way away, but it will be here before we know it. And I wanted to give everyone plenty of time to plan/save money, so that’s why I’m announcing it this far in advance.
I am SO excited to visit Morocco!! This will be a new country for me and I know that it will be an exceptional trip with Morocco Accessible Travel Consultants. They are dedicated to making this an incredible journey, as am I. If you are interested in joining this group tour, email [email protected] with the subject “Cory Lee Group Tour“.
This tour can accommodate 1 other powered wheelchair user (in addition to me) and 2 manual chair users that can transfer to a seat in the van, plus companions. If you are interested, I would encourage you to reserve your spot as soon as possible before space fills up. Without further ado, here is the itinerary and pricing for our 8 day tour through Morocco –
Day 1 Casablanca
Upon arrival in Casablanca the economic capital of Morocco, your driver will meet you and bring you to your downtown hotel where orientation will start in the afternoon.
Day 2 Rabat/Fes
You will start your tour by visiting the Hassan II Mosque which extends into the Atlantic Ocean standing as one of the largest mosques in the world. This mosque is the only one in Morocco which non-Muslims are allowed to enter and was designed with an eye toward accessibility. Continue on to Rabat where you will enjoy lunch before taking a driving tour of Rabat, stopping at Le Tour Hassan and the Mohammed V Mausoleum (note that the Mausoleum view is partially blocked by stairs, but people are not allowed to enter this sacred place anyways). Continue on to Fes where you will stay the next three nights.
Day 3 Fes
Set out into the Medina of Fes—the religious and cultural heartbeat of Morocco. This is one of the world’s largest walled in cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. You will appreciate your guides intimate knowledge as you navigate the maze of narrow streets of this, the worlds larges vehicle-free urban area. Take lunch in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina and then visit the King’s Palace, the potters and the Jewish quarter. In the afternoon you will be stunned by the view of this ancient city from up on the hill by the Marinid ruins. After freshening up you will head out in the evening again to enjoy more delicious dishes in this culinary capital boasts.
Day 4 Fes
After breakfast drive west toward the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. This involves some rougher terrain but parts of the ruins are accessible by wheelchair. Lunch may be taken in Moulay Idris, one of the holiest cities in Morocco. After lunch, you will enjoy a driving tour of the imperial city, Meknes where some of Morocco’s fiercest rulers lived. Return to Fes to relax for the remainder of the afternoon before going out on the town for dinner again. Morocco boasts many traditional dishes but international fare is also available.
Day 5 Marrakech (FULL DAY DRIVE)
After an early breakfast, you will depart for Marrakech watching the lush green landscape turn rocky and rugged as you head south. Check into your accommodations and then head off to the Djemaa el-Fna, the famous center square of the medina. Coming alive at night with the local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering barbeque pits, the square is well worth a visit.
Day 6 Marrakech
After breakfast, you will have a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. You will discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, and many other hidden gems. After lunch, you will continue with an exploration of the souk (market) of Marrakech.
Day 7 Marrakech / Casablanca
Take a slow morning around Marrakech doing any last minute shopping in the souks. After lunch around Djemaa el-Fna you will drive north again to Casablanca for your final night. Casablanca’s Art Deco architecture is quite fascinating and depending on your energy levels you may wish to venture out to explore.
Day 8 Departure
With lifelong memories, stories of your journey to share and souvenirs in your suitcase, your driver will make sure you get to the airport with plenty of time for departure.
This custom designed tour is 24,990 MAD per person (that’s about $2,500 USD)
* Pricing based on double occupancy rooms. Additional single supplement for a private room is 4410 MAD per person.
* All prices are in Moroccan Dirhams and are subject to the exchange rate at the time of payment if you are paying in foreign currency.
Included in the Price:
– 7 Nights of 4 Star Accommodations
– Half Board
– 8 Days of ACCESSIBLE Transportation
– Professional Driver – (licensed for tourism)
– Professional Tour Guide
– Excursions (Hassan II Mosque, Volubilis)
– Entrance fees to historical sites
– Portage Tips for bags
Not Included in the Price:
– Lunches
– Drinks
– Airfare
– Tips (driver, guides, waiters, etc.)
This tour sounds pretty amazing, right?? Morocco is sure to be completely unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been. For more information about this tour, watch this Prezi presentation –
To reserve your spot on this tour, email [email protected] and use “Cory Lee Group Tour” in the subject line.
I hope to see you in Morocco!!
What you are doing is truly an inspiration to others, Cory! Great choice for your first group tour. Wishing you all the best in a successful group trip to Morocco. And you are right – 2018 will be here before you know it.
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Talking to the wife about participating in this trip.we just got off a cruise and with a little planning it’s amazing what your able to go out and do even in a power chair.